US20050072142A1 - Exhaust emission control system - Google Patents
Exhaust emission control system Download PDFInfo
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- US20050072142A1 US20050072142A1 US10/957,725 US95772504A US2005072142A1 US 20050072142 A1 US20050072142 A1 US 20050072142A1 US 95772504 A US95772504 A US 95772504A US 2005072142 A1 US2005072142 A1 US 2005072142A1
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- Prior art keywords
- heat
- thermoelectric conversion
- conversion element
- collector
- coolant
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N11/00—Monitoring or diagnostic devices for exhaust-gas treatment apparatus, e.g. for catalytic activity
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
- F01N3/02—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for cooling, or for removing solid constituents of, exhaust
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
- F01N3/02—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for cooling, or for removing solid constituents of, exhaust
- F01N3/0205—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for cooling, or for removing solid constituents of, exhaust using heat exchangers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N5/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting from exhaust energy
- F01N5/02—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting from exhaust energy the devices using heat
- F01N5/025—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting from exhaust energy the devices using heat the device being thermoelectric generators
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10N10/00—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N2240/00—Combination or association of two or more different exhaust treating devices, or of at least one such device with an auxiliary device, not covered by indexing codes F01N2230/00 or F01N2250/00, one of the devices being
- F01N2240/04—Combination or association of two or more different exhaust treating devices, or of at least one such device with an auxiliary device, not covered by indexing codes F01N2230/00 or F01N2250/00, one of the devices being an electric, e.g. electrostatic, device other than a heater
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
- F01N3/08—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous
- F01N3/10—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust
- F01N3/18—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust characterised by methods of operation; Control
- F01N3/20—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust characterised by methods of operation; Control specially adapted for catalytic conversion ; Methods of operation or control of catalytic converters
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
- Y02T10/12—Improving ICE efficiencies
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
- Y02T10/40—Engine management systems
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an exhaust emission control system having a generator for converting thermal energy of exhaust into electric energy, and an exhaust purifying catalyst.
- Exhaust gas from an automobile engine possesses thermal energy and discharge of exhaust gas results in wasting energy.
- an electric generator configured to convert the thermal energy of exhaust gas into electric energy to charge a battery.
- An example of such generator is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-35824.
- This generator has a thermoelectric conversion element provided on an exhaust pipe, and a bimetallic element as a thermal connection means for conducting heat from the exhaust pipe to the thermoelectric conversion element. While the temperature of the exothermic member (exhaust pipe) is below an allowable temperature limit of the thermoelectric conversion element, the bimetallic element stays undeformed to conduct the heat of the exothermic member (exhaust pipe) to the thermoelectric conversion element. Conversely, while the temperature of the exothermic member exceeds the allowable temperature limit, the bimetallic element is deformed to break the mechanical contact between the exothermic member and the thermoelectric conversion element so as to interrupt the thermal conduction.
- the recent automobiles are provided with an exhaust purifying catalyst on the exhaust pipe, in order to eliminate carbon oxide and others from exhaust gas. Its purifying function of this catalyst is exerted at temperatures of more than its activation temperature. It can be contemplated to construct an exhaust emission control system in a configuration wherein the generator as described above is mounted on the automobile exhaust pipe and wherein the catalyst is provided downstream thereof.
- the generator performs the generating operation even during periods in which the catalyst is below the activation temperature, e.g., right after starting an engine. If the heat in exhaust gas is used for generation of electricity, there will arise a problem that the time to arrival of the catalyst at the activation temperature becomes longer, so as to delay the exertion of the purifying action.
- An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an exhaust emission control system capable of efficiently converting thermal energy of exhaust gas into electric energy, without slowing the arrival of the catalyst at the activation temperature.
- An exhaust emission control system of the present invention comprises a generator which has a thermoelectric conversion element for generating electricity by thermoelectric conversion utilizing heat of exhaust gas from an engine.
- a catalyst is disposed in the generator or downstream thereof.
- the exhaust emission control system of the present invention also comprises heat conduction varying means for making heat conduction from the exhaust gas to the thermoelectric conversion element variable between a high conduction state and a low conduction state.
- the heat conduction varying means makes prominent the heat conduction from the exhaust gas to the thermoelectric conversion element.
- the exhaust emission control system comprises the heat conduction varying means for making the heat conduction to the thermoelectric conversion element variable, and is configured to keep the heat conduction in the high conduction state when the temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature (the activation temperature of the catalyst or the temperature set based on the activation temperature). For this reason, the amount of heat conducted to the thermoelectric conversion element is kept small before activation of the catalyst, whereby the catalyst can quickly reach the activation temperature. After the catalyst is activated, the heat conduction to the thermoelectric conversion element is switched into the high conduction state, whereby the thermal energy of exhaust gas can be efficiently re-collected to be converted into electric energy.
- a predetermined temperature the activation temperature of the catalyst or the temperature set based on the activation temperature
- the heat conduction varying means comprises a heat re-collector for re-collecting the heat of the exhaust gas, and a coolant path.
- the heat re-collector and the coolant path are placed on respective sides of the thermoelectric conversion element.
- the thermoelectric conversion element can be constructed in a configuration wherein it is arranged movable relative to the heat re-collector, is brought into contact with the heat re-collector with introduction of a coolant into the coolant path, and is separated apart from the heat re-collector without introduction of the coolant into the coolant path.
- thermoelectric conversion element performs the thermoelectric conversion with introduction of the coolant into the coolant path. For this reason, the heat conduction turns into the high conduction state upon introduction of the coolant into the coolant path, whereby the heat conduction can be kept in the high conduction state during heat re-collection.
- the heat conduction varying means comprises a heat re-collector for re-collecting the heat of the exhaust gas, and the heat re-collector has a heat medium receptacle. It is also possible to adopt a configuration wherein the heat conduction is maintained in the high conduction state while a heat medium is retained in the heat medium receptacle and wherein the heat conduction is maintained in the low conduction state while the heat medium is not retained in the heat medium receptacle. In this manner, the heat conduction can be readily made variable between the high conduction state and the low conduction state by retaining the heat medium in the heat medium receptacle or by removing the heat medium from the heat medium receptacle.
- the heat conduction varying means comprises a heat re-collector for re-collecting the heat of the exhaust gas.
- the heat re-collector is disposed around an exhaust path in which the exhaust gas flows.
- the thermoelectric conversion element is disposed in a state of contact with the heat re-collector and along the periphery of the heat re-collector.
- thermoelectric conversion element and the exhaust path are arranged to be able to be separated from each other by pulling the thermoelectric conversion element to rotate the thermoelectric conversion element around a fulcrum at one end of the thermoelectric conversion element, wherein the heat conduction is in the high conduction state while the thermoelectric conversion element and the heat re-collector are kept in contact with each other, and wherein the heat conduction is in the low conduction state while the thermoelectric conversion element and the heat re-collector are separated from each other.
- This mechanical structure can also make the heat conduction readily variable between the high conduction state and the low conduction state.
- the heat conduction varying means comprises a heat re-collector for re-collecting the heat of the exhaust gas, wherein a contact surface of the heat re-collector with the thermoelectric conversion element is deformable, and wherein a contact area of the contact surface with the thermoelectric conversion element becomes larger in a high heat state than in a low heat state of the heat re-collector.
- the contact surface can be so constructed that it becomes flat when the contact area of the heat re-collector with the thermoelectric conversion element is large and that it becomes curved when the contact area is small.
- the heat conduction varying means comprises a heat re-collector for re-collecting the heat of the exhaust gas, wherein a hardness change material is disposed between the heat re-collector and the thermoelectric conversion element, wherein the heat conduction is in the high conduction state between the heat re-collector and the thermoelectric conversion element in a soft state of the hardness change material, and wherein the heat conduction is in the low conduction state between the heat re-collector and the thermoelectric conversion element in a hard state of the hardness change material.
- the hardness change material of this kind it is also feasible to readily make the heat conduction variable between the high conduction state and the low conduction state.
- FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of an exhaust emission control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of a generator.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional plan view showing states of a thermoelectric conversion module and a heat conductor.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of a generator in an exhaust emission control system according to a second embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing states in which oil is retained in an oil receptacle in a generator, or in an oil reservoir.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of a generator in an exhaust emission control system according to a third embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of a guide member.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 is a plan view showing states of a thermoelectric conversion module and a heat conductor.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional plan view of a generator in an exhaust emission control system according to a fourth embodiment.
- FIG. 11 is an illustration showing a modified form of a fin member in a generator.
- FIG. 12 is an illustration for illustrating a principle of deformation of a fin member in a generator.
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional plan view of major part of a generator in an exhaust emission control system according to a fifth embodiment.
- FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing states of deformation of a buffer pad in a generator.
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional plan view of major part of a generator in an exhaust emission control system according to a sixth embodiment.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exhaust emission control system according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of a generator (a cross section by a plane perpendicular to the flow of exhaust gas).
- the exhaust emission control system 1 of the present embodiment has an exhaust pipe 2 .
- the exhaust pipe 2 is connected to an engine 3 , and exhaust gas from the engine 3 flows in the exhaust pipe 2 to be discharged from an unrepresented muffler to the outside.
- a generator 4 is provided midway on the exhaust pipe 2 .
- the generator 4 converts thermal energy of exhaust gas into electric energy.
- a pump 6 for circulating a coolant through a coolant pipe 5 is connected to the generator 4 , and a controller 7 is electrically connected to the pump 6 .
- the controller 7 controls the pump 6 while determining whether the pump 6 is to be driven, based on the temperature of exhaust gas or the like.
- the coolant pipe 5 is provided with a heat exchanger 8 .
- the heat exchanger 8 cools the heated coolant by heat exchange.
- an exhaust purifying catalyst 9 is provided downstream of the generator 4 on the exhaust pipe 2 .
- the catalyst 9 is a three way catalyst and cleans up substances such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monooxide, and hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas.
- the exhaust pipe 2 is equipped with a temperature sensor 10 .
- the temperature sensor 10 detects the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust pipe 2 and outputs the detected temperature to the controller 7 .
- the generator 4 is provided with a housing 11 , as shown in FIG. 2 , and four exhaust paths 12 are formed in the housing 11 .
- the exhaust gas from the engine 3 shown in FIG. 1 flows through the four exhaust paths 12 to be discharged toward the catalyst 9 .
- Each exhaust path 12 is provided with a fin member 13 for re-collecting the thermal energy from the exhaust gas.
- the fin member 13 serves as a heat re-collector.
- the fin member 13 is comprised of a heat conductor 13 A and fins 13 B, and the fins 13 B extend from the heat conductor 13 A. These heat conductor 13 A and fins 13 B are integrally formed by extrusion or the like.
- Coolant cases 14 are mounted at respective locations corresponding to the fin members 13 , in an outer casing of the housing 11 , and each coolant case 14 is comprised of an inner frame 14 A and an outer frame 14 B.
- the outer frame 14 B is fixed to the outer casing of the housing 11 .
- the inner frame 14 A is movable relative to the outer frame 14 B.
- Coolant paths 14 C are formed in each inner frame 14 A and the coolant supplied from the coolant pipe 5 shown in FIG. 1 flows in the coolant paths 14 C. As the coolant flows in the coolant paths 14 C, the inner frame 14 A moves toward the fin member 13 .
- a sealing member 14 D is provided at a location on the interior side of the outer frame 14 B where the inner frame 14 A slides. The sealing member 14 D prevents the coolant from flowing out to the outside.
- thermoelectric conversion module 15 which is a thermoelectric conversion element of the present invention is mounted on the interior side of each inner frame 14 A (on the side of the heat conductor 13 A of the fin member 13 opposite to the outer frame 14 B).
- the thermoelectric conversion module 15 is an element for converting thermal energy into electric energy by making use of the so-called Seebeck effect. Namely, the thermoelectric conversion module 15 uses a temperature difference to effect thermoelectric conversion and the larger the temperature difference, the more it can generate electricity (or convert thermal energy into electric energy).
- the thermoelectric conversion module 15 As the coolant flows in the coolant paths 14 C to move the inner frame 14 A toward the fin member 13 , the thermoelectric conversion module 15 also moves in the same direction so that the thermoelectric conversion module 15 comes into contact with the fin member 13 . In this manner, the coolant cases 14 form the heat conduction varying means of the present invention.
- a spring 16 is mounted between the peripheral region of the heat conductor 13 A of each fin member 13 and the inner frame 14 A of each coolant case 14 .
- the spring 16 is located around the thermoelectric conversion module 15 .
- the spring 16 biases the heat conductor 13 A in the fin member 13 and the inner frame 14 A of the coolant case 14 in mutually departing directions.
- the engine 3 emits exhaust gas during operation of the engine 3 .
- the emitted exhaust gas flows through the exhaust pipe 2 to pass the generator 4 and to reach the catalyst 9 .
- This catalyst 9 cleans up the exhaust gas.
- the temperature of the catalyst 9 is low under an activation temperature thereof, the catalyst 9 will fail to fully fulfill the cleanup performance.
- the catalyst 9 is in a low temperature state, e.g., immediately after a start of the engine 3 . If the generator 4 operates to re-collect the heat of the exhaust gas in this state, it will take a long time to bring the catalyst 9 into an activated state.
- a threshold of a predetermined temperature is set based on the activation temperature of the catalyst 9 .
- the activation temperature is used as a threshold.
- the activation temperature is determined depending upon the catalyst 9 .
- the controller 7 estimates the temperature of the catalyst 9 , based on the temperature of the exhaust gas outputted from the temperature sensor 10 , and compares the temperature of the catalyst 9 with the activation temperature.
- the controller 7 When the comparison result is that the temperature of the catalyst 9 is below the activation temperature, the controller 7 outputs a stop signal to the pump 6 to deactivate the pump 6 , thereby keeping the coolant from being supplied to the generator 4 (or from being circulated). While the coolant is not supplied to the generator 4 , as shown in FIG. 3 ( a ), the thermoelectric conversion module 15 is located apart from the heat conductor 13 A of each fin member 13 by the elastic force of the spring 16 .
- thermoelectric conversion module 15 As the thermoelectric conversion module 15 is located apart from the heat conductor 13 A of the fin member 13 , only little heat is conducted to the thermoelectric conversion module 15 even with flow of the exhaust gas through the exhaust path 12 . As a result, no heat re-collection is effected from the exhaust gas, so that the exhaust gas flows to the catalyst 9 while keeping its high temperature. Therefore, the exhaust gas with large amount of heat is supplied to the catalyst 9 , whereby the catalyst 9 can reach the activation temperature within a short period of time.
- the controller 7 outputs an activation signal to the pump 6 to activate the pump 6 , thereby circulating and supplying the coolant into the coolant cases 14 of the generator 4 .
- the inner frame 14 A in the coolant case 14 moves toward the fin member 13 against the elastic force of the spring 16 .
- the thermoelectric conversion module 15 also moves toward the fin member 13 , so that the thermoelectric conversion module 15 comes into contact with the heat conductor 13 A of the fin member 13 .
- thermoelectric conversion module 15 While the thermoelectric conversion module 15 is in contact with the heat conductor 13 A of the fin member 13 , the fins 13 B re-collect the heat from the exhaust gas and transfer the heat to the thermoelectric conversion module 15 .
- the thermoelectric conversion module 15 efficiently converts thermal energy into electric energy by making use of the large temperature difference between the fin member 13 and the coolant case 14 (the difference between the temperature of the heat conductor 13 A heated by the heat of the exhaust gas and the temperature of the inner frame 14 A cooled by the coolant) and supplies the electric energy to an unrepresented battery or the like.
- the exhaust gas after the heat re-collection by the fins 13 B has a reduced amount of heat, and a lower temperature. For this reason, the exhaust gas is at a low temperature and in a low thermal energy state when arriving at the catalyst 9 . However, since the catalyst 9 has already reached the activation temperature, it can fully demonstrate its cleanup performance. Accordingly, the system is able to efficiently re-collect the heat in the exhaust gas.
- the exhaust emission control system 1 of the present embodiment is constructed in such a configuration that when the temperature of the catalyst 9 does not reach the activation temperature, the heat of the exhaust gas is preferentially supplied to the catalyst 9 and that when the temperature of the catalyst 9 reaches the activation temperature, the heat re-collection by the generator 4 is preferentially carried out. Therefore, the system is able to efficiently convert the thermal energy of exhaust gas into the electric energy, without slowing the arrival of the catalyst 9 at the activation temperature.
- the present embodiment uses the activation temperature itself as the threshold of the predetermined temperature set based on the activation temperature of the catalyst 9 , but it is also possible to set a temperature a little lower than the activation temperature, or a temperature a little higher than the activation temperature.
- the present embodiment estimates the temperature of the catalyst 9 from the temperature of the exhaust gas, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration of estimating the temperature of the catalyst 9 from an operation condition and/or an operation period of the engine. Of course, it is also possible to directly detect the temperature of the catalyst 9 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of the generator in the exhaust emission control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- the generator 20 in the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment has a housing 21 , and four exhaust paths 22 are formed in the housing 21 .
- Each exhaust path 22 is provided with a fin member 23 for re-collecting the thermal energy from the exhaust gas.
- the fin member 23 is comprised of a heat conductor 23 A and fins 23 B, and the fins 23 B extend from the heat conductor 23 A.
- Coolant cases 24 are provided at respective locations corresponding to the fin members 23 , in an outer casing of the housing 21 .
- Each coolant case 24 is comprised of an inner frame 24 A and an outer frame 24 B fixed to each other, and coolant paths 24 C are formed in the inner frame 24 A.
- the coolant supplied from the coolant pipe 5 shown in FIG. 1 flows in the coolant paths 24 C.
- thermoelectric conversion module 25 is fixed to the fin member 23 side of the inner frame 24 A of each coolant case 24 .
- the thermoelectric conversion module 25 is an element for converting thermal energy into electric energy by making use of the so-called Seebeck effect, as in the first embodiment.
- This thermoelectric conversion module 25 is in contact with the fin member 23 (through a sheet material) to be kept in a heat conductible state.
- a leaf spring 26 is placed between each coolant case 24 and the housing 21 .
- the leaf spring 26 pushes the coolant case 24 toward the fin member 23 by reaction force against the housing 21 .
- the thermoelectric conversion module 25 is urged against the heat conductor 23 A of the fin member 23 (through the sheet material) by the elastic force of the leaf spring 26 .
- an oil receptacle 27 as a heat medium receptacle is formed around the fins 23 B in the fin members 23 .
- the oil receptacle 27 can be filled with oil as a heat medium.
- An oil port 28 and an air port 29 are connected to this oil receptacle 27 .
- the oil enters and leaves the oil receptacle 27 through the oil port 28 , and air enters and leaves the oil receptacle 27 through the air port 29 .
- air is eliminated in a state in which the oil is in the oil receptacle 27
- the oil receptacle 27 is filled with air in a state in which the oil is eliminated out of the receptacle 27 .
- This oil port 28 is in communication with an oil passage 30 shown in FIG. 5 , and the air port 29 in communication with an air passage 31 .
- the oil passage 30 is provided with an oil reservoir 32 . While the oil L is not retained in the oil receptacle 27 , the oil is stored in this oil reservoir 32 .
- the oil passage 30 and the air passage 31 are connected each to an oil moving piston 33 . With movement of the oil moving piston 33 , the oil L can be moved between the oil receptacle 27 and the oil reservoir 32 .
- the controller 7 is connected to the oil moving piston 33 and the controller 7 controls the oil moving piston 33 .
- the temperature of the catalyst 9 is estimated based on the temperature signal outputted from the temperature sensor 10 , in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
- the pump 6 is activated to circulate the coolant in the coolant cases 24 of the generator 20 .
- the controller 7 outputs a control signal to the oil moving piston 33 to activate the oil moving piston 33 so that the oil receptacle 27 in the generator 20 is filled with the oil L, as shown in FIG. 5 ( a ).
- each thermoelectric conversion module 25 is able to efficiently convert thermal energy into electric energy by making use of the large temperature difference between the fin member 23 and the coolant case 24 (the difference between the temperature of the heat conductor 23 A heated by the heat of the exhaust gas through the oil L and the temperature of the inner frame 24 A cooled by the coolant).
- the heat is re-collected from the exhaust gas flowing to the catalyst 9 , to lower the temperature, but the catalyst 9 is already in a highly active state enough to be able to fully demonstrate the cleanup action.
- the controller 7 when the temperature of the catalyst 9 is lower than the activation temperature, the controller 7 outputs a stop signal to the pump 6 to deactivate the pump 6 . In conjunction therewith, the controller 7 outputs a control signal to the oil moving piston 33 to activate the oil moving piston 33 so that the oil L is removed from the oil receptacle 27 and retained in the oil reservoir 32 and so that the oil receptacle 27 is filled with air, as shown in FIG. 5 ( b ).
- the oil receptacle 27 While the oil receptacle 27 is filled with air instead of the oil, the air in the oil receptacle 27 interrupts heat conduction from the exhaust gas to the fins 23 B during flow of the exhaust gas through the exhaust paths 22 . For this reason, heat is hardly conducted from the exhaust gas to the fins 23 B, and the exhaust gas flows from the generator 20 to the catalyst 9 while maintaining its high temperature. Therefore, the exhaust gas with large amount of heat is supplied to the catalyst 9 , so that the catalyst 9 can reach the activation temperature within a short period of time.
- the pump 6 is stopped to terminate the circulation and supply of the coolant during periods except for heat re-collection periods. This can prevent the system from wasting the power for activation of the pump 6 .
- the exhaust emission control system with the generator 20 in the present embodiment is also able to efficiently convert the thermal energy of exhaust gas into electric energy, without slowing the arrival of the catalyst at the activation temperature.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of the generator in the exhaust emission control system of the third embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 7 an enlarged plan view of a guide member
- FIG. 8 a sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 7 .
- the generator 40 in the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment has a housing 41 , and one exhaust path 42 is formed in the central part of the housing 41 .
- the exhaust path 42 is provided with a plurality of fins 43 .
- the fins are mounted on an inner surface of a tubular heat-conducting member 44 , and the fins 43 and the heat-conducting member 44 are integrally formed, for example, by extrusion.
- Eight heat conductors 44 A serving as the heat re-collector of the present invention are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, in the outer peripheral region of the heat-conducting member 44 .
- An outer surface of each heat conductor 44 A is formed in flat shape, and this flat surface is arranged at such an angular position that it is offset a little outward from a line extending in the radial direction of an inside section in the heat-conducting member 44 .
- thermoelectric conversion module 45 is mounted on each of these heat conductors 44 A.
- the thermoelectric conversion module 45 is an element for converting thermal energy into electric energy by making use of the so-called Seebeck effect, as in each of the above embodiments. While the thermoelectric conversion modules 45 are in contact with the heat conductors 44 A of the heat-conducting member 44 , the heat of the exhaust gas in the exhaust path 42 is conducted through the heat-conducting member 44 to the thermoelectric conversion modules 45 .
- Coolant cases 46 are mounted on the respective thermoelectric conversion modules 45 . Coolant paths are formed in each coolant case 46 .
- the housing 41 is also provided with rotation rails 47 arranged so as to surround the outside of all the coolant cases 46 , and the rotation rails 47 are arranged substantially concentrically with the exhaust path 42 of a circular cross section; i.e., the center of the rotation rails 47 is substantially coincident with the center of the exhaust path 42 of the circular cross section. Furthermore, outside the coolant cases 46 , as shown in FIG. 8 , guide members 48 capable of sliding along the rotation rails 47 are mounted on the respective cases.
- a wire 49 is attached at the central position of each guide member 48 so as to penetrate it.
- the wire 49 is coupled to all the eight guide members 48 so that the guide members 48 can move along the rotation rails 47 by pulling the wire 49 .
- One end of the wire 49 is connected to an unrepresented actuator, and the wire 49 can be pulled by actuation of the actuator.
- each guide member 48 is pushed by an unrepresented spring, and the spring keeps the thermoelectric conversion module 45 in contact with the heat conductor 44 A while the wire 49 is not pulled. With actuation of the actuator, the wire 49 is pulled against elastic forces of the springs to move the guide members 48 .
- the controller 7 outputs a control signal to the actuator.
- the controller outputs the control signal to the actuator, based on the estimated temperature of the catalyst 9 .
- the temperature of the catalyst 9 is estimated based on the temperature signal outputted from the temperature sensor 10 , as in the first embodiment.
- the pump 6 is activated to circulate the coolant in the coolant cases 46 of the generator 40 in conjunction therewith, the controller 7 keeps the actuator in an inactive state to free the wire 49 , and the thermoelectric conversion modules 45 are kept in contact with the heat conductors 44 A of the heat-conducting member 44 by the elastic forces of the unrepresented springs, as shown in FIG. 9 ( a ).
- FIG. 9 is depicted without illustration of the rotation rails 47 and housing 41 .
- thermoelectric conversion modules 45 are kept in contact with the heat conductors 44 A in this manner, the heat of the exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust path 42 is re-collected by the fins 43 and conducted in the high conduction state to the thermoelectric conversion modules 45 .
- the thermoelectric conversion modules 45 are able to efficiently convert thermal energy into electric energy by making use of the large temperature difference between the heat-conducting member 44 and the coolant cases 46 (the difference between the temperature of the heat conductors 44 A heated by the heat of exhaust gas and the temperature of the coolant cases 46 cooled by the coolant).
- the heat is re-collected from the exhaust gas flowing to the catalyst 9 , to lower the temperature, but the catalyst 9 is already in a highly active state enough to be able to fully demonstrate the cleanup action.
- the controller 7 when the temperature of the catalyst 9 is below the activation temperature, the controller 7 outputs a stop signal to the pump 6 to stop the pump 6 . In conjunction therewith, the controller 7 outputs an activation signal to the actuator to actuate the actuator so as to pull the wire 49 .
- the guide members 48 move along the rotation rails 47 . At this time, since the line passing the center of the rotation rails 47 is offset from the center axis of the guide members 48 (the axis perpendicular to the surface of the thermoelectric conversion modules 45 ), the pulling action of the wire 49 results in moving the thermoelectric conversion modules 45 away from the heat conductors 44 A, as shown in FIG. 9 ( b ).
- thermoelectric conversion modules 45 are detached from the heat conductors 44 A, an air layer is created between the thermoelectric conversion modules 45 and the heat conductors 44 A, and the heat of the exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust path 42 is not conducted through the heat-conducting member 44 to the thermoelectric conversion modules 45 . Therefore, the exhaust gas flows from the generator 40 to the catalyst 9 while maintaining its high temperature. For this reason, the exhaust gas with large amount of heat is supplied to the catalyst 9 , so that the catalyst 9 can reach the activation temperature within a short period of time.
- the pump 6 is stopped to terminate the circulation and supply of the coolant. This can prevent the system from wasting the power for actuation of the pump 6 .
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional plan view of the generator in the exhaust emission control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- the generator 50 in the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment has a housing 51 , and four exhaust paths 52 are formed in the housing 51 .
- Each exhaust path 52 is provided with a fin member 53 for re-collecting the thermal energy from the exhaust gas.
- Each fin member 53 is comprised of a heat conductor 53 A and fins 53 B, and the fins 53 B extend from the heat conductor 53 A.
- the fins 53 B are large in the central region of the heat conductor 53 A and decrease their size toward the side edges.
- a contact surface 53 C in contact with the thermoelectric conversion module 25 is formed in a surface without the fins 53 B, of each heat conductor 53 A.
- the heat conductors 53 A are deformable by the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust paths 52 .
- the heat conductors 53 A are made of a thermally deformable material.
- the contact surface 53 C contacted with the thermoelectric conversion module 25 is curved, as shown in FIG. 11 ( a ).
- the contact surface 53 C contacted with the thermoelectric conversion module 25 is flat, as shown in FIG. 11 ( b ).
- Coolant cases 54 are mounted at respective positions corresponding to the fin members 53 in the outer casing of the housing 51 , and each coolant case 54 is comprised of an inner frame 54 A and an outer frame 54 B.
- the outer frame 54 B is fixed to the outer casing of the housing and the inner frame 54 A is fixed to the outer frame 54 B.
- Coolant paths 54 C are formed in each inner frame 54 A, and the coolant supplied from the coolant pipe 5 shown in FIG. 1 flows in the coolant paths 54 C.
- the temperature of the catalyst 9 is estimated based on the temperature signal outputted from the temperature sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1 , as in the first embodiment.
- the pump 6 is activated to circulate the coolant in the coolant cases 54 of the generator 50 .
- the temperature of the generator 50 is also low. While the temperature of the generator 50 is low, the contact surfaces 53 C are curved, as shown in FIG. 11 ( a ). At this time, the fins 53 B are nearly parallel to each other. In the curved shape of the contact surfaces 53 C, the contact area is small between the contact surfaces 53 C and the thermoelectric conversion modules 25 . As a result, the thermoelectric conversion modules 25 decrease the quantity of conversion from thermal energy to electric energy so as to feed more heat to the catalyst 9 by that degree, whereby the catalyst 9 can reach the activation temperature within a short period of time.
- the generator 50 is also warmed up with the catalyst 9 , so that the contact surfaces 53 C become nearly flat, as shown in FIG. 11 ( b ). At this time, the fins are deformed so as to expand the spacing between distal ends of adjacent fins 53 B.
- This deformation of the fin members 53 is attributed to two temperature distributions (temperature differences) in the fin members 53 .
- the first one is the temperature difference between the exhaust path 52 side and the thermoelectric conversion module 25 side in each heat conductor 53 A. Out of the temperatures on the exhaust path 52 side and on the thermoelectric conversion module 25 side in the heat conductor 53 A, the temperature is higher on the exhaust path 52 side. When the temperature is higher on the exhaust path 52 side, as shown in FIG. 12 ( a ), the exhaust path 52 side in the heat conductor 53 A expands more than the thermoelectric conversion module 25 side.
- the second temperature distribution is the temperature difference between the fins 53 B in the central region of the heat conductor 53 A and the fins 53 B in the edge regions.
- the fins 53 B in the central region of the heat conductor 53 A are larger than those 53 B in the edge regions and, also have a larger surface area. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 12 ( b ), the fins 53 B in the central region absorb more heat from the exhaust gas than the fins 53 B in the edge regions.
- thermoelectric conversion modules 25 are able to efficiently convert thermal energy into electric energy by making use of the large temperature difference between the fin members 53 and the coolant cases 54 (the difference between the temperature of the heat conductors 53 A heated by the heat of exhaust gas and the temperature of the inner frames 54 A cooled by the coolant).
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional plan view of major part of the generator in the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment.
- the generator 60 in the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment has exhaust paths 62 .
- the exhaust paths 62 are formed in a housing similar to the housing 51 shown in FIG. 10 , which was described in the fourth embodiment.
- Each exhaust path 62 is provided with a fin member 63 for re-collecting thermal energy from the exhaust gas.
- the fin member 63 is comprised of a heat conductor 63 A and fins 63 B, and the fins 63 B extend from the heat conductor 63 A.
- a flange 63 C is formed at the side edge of the heat conductor 63 A, and a buffer pad 64 , which is a hardness change material of the present invention, is provided between the heat conductor 63 A and the flange 63 C.
- the buffer pad 64 is comprised of a solder 64 A, which is a phase change material, and a flexible case 64 B.
- the solder 64 A turns into a solid (solid phase) or into a liquid (liquid phase), depending upon temperatures of the fin member 63 and the thermoelectric conversion module 25 .
- the solder 64 A is liquid when the temperatures of the fin member 63 and thermoelectric conversion module 25 are high.
- the solder 64 A is solid when the temperatures of the fin member 63 and thermoelectric conversion module 25 are low.
- the phase change material can be another metal with a low melting point such as lead, besides the solder.
- thermoelectric conversion module 25 On the opposite side of the buffer pad 64 to the fin member 63 , the thermoelectric conversion module 25 is provided in a contact state.
- the buffer pad 64 is disposed between the fin member 63 and the thermoelectric conversion module 25 to conduct the heat re-collected by the fin member 63 , to the thermoelectric conversion module 25 .
- the temperature of the catalyst 9 is estimated based on the temperature signal outputted from the temperature sensor 10 , as in the first embodiment.
- the pump 6 is actuated to circulate the coolant in the coolant cases 54 of the generator 60 .
- the temperature of the generator 60 is also low.
- the solder 64 A in the buffer pad 64 is solid and, as shown in FIG. 14 ( a ), the solder 64 A is massive. For this reason, a clearance is made between the buffer pad 64 and the fin member 63 , so that the contact area between the buffer pad 64 and the fin member 63 is very small.
- thermoelectric conversion module 25 decreases the amount of conversion from thermal energy into electric energy, so that more heat can be fed to the catalyst 9 by that degree. Therefore, more heat can be supplied to the catalyst 9 before warmed up, whereby the catalyst 9 can reach the activation temperature within a short period of time.
- the temperature of the generator 60 is also high.
- the solder 64 A in the buffer pad 64 is liquid and, as shown in FIG. 14 ( b ), the solder 64 A becomes flowable.
- the buffer pad 64 follows a change of the shape of the fin member 63 even if the fin member 63 is deformed by heat. Therefore, the large contact area can be maintained between the buffer pad 64 and the fin member 63 .
- the thermal energy can be efficiently converted into electric energy by making use of the large temperature difference between the fin member 63 and the coolant case 54 (the difference between the temperature of the buffer pad 64 to which the heat of the fin member 63 is fully conducted, and the temperature of the coolant case 54 cooled by the coolant).
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional plan view of major part of the generator in the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment.
- the generator 70 in the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment has exhaust paths 72 .
- the exhaust paths 72 are formed in a housing similar to the housing 51 shown in FIG. 10 described in the fourth embodiment. There are four exhaust paths 72 formed in the housing, as in the fourth embodiment.
- Each exhaust path 72 is provided with a fin member 73 for re-collecting the thermal energy from the exhaust gas.
- the fin member 73 is comprised of a heat conductor 73 A and fins 73 B, and the fins 73 B extend from the heat conductor 73 A.
- a recess is formed in a surface of the heat conductor 73 A where the fins 73 B are not provided, and a lid member 73 C for closing this recess is fixed to the surface.
- thermoelectric conversion module 25 is mounted on a surface of the lid member 73 C opposite to the heat conductor 73 A side.
- a coolant case 54 is mounted on a surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 25 on the opposite side to the fin member 73 .
- the temperature of the catalyst 9 is estimated based on the temperature signal outputted from the temperature sensor 10 , as in the first embodiment.
- the pump 6 is actuated to circulate the coolant in the coolant cases 54 of the generator 70 .
- the temperature of the generator 70 is also low.
- the solder 74 enclosed in the recess of the heat conductor 73 A is solid. Since the solid solder 74 includes a lot of voids of bubbles, this solder 74 keeps the heat conduction rate low from the fin member 73 to the thermoelectric conversion module 25 while being interposed between the fin member 73 and the thermoelectric conversion module 25 .
- the heat conduction rate is low from the fin member 73 to the thermoelectric conversion module 25 , less heat is lost from the exhaust gas and more heat can be supplied to the catalyst 9 by that degree. Accordingly, more heat can be supplied to the catalyst 9 before warmed up, whereby the catalyst 9 can reach the activation temperature within a short period of time.
- the temperature of the generator 60 is also high.
- the solder 74 is liquid and flowable.
- the solder 74 in a deformable state improves the contact with the fin member 73 , so as to increase the heat conduction from the fin member 73 to the thermoelectric conversion module 25 .
- the solder 74 since the solder 74 has flowability, the solder can follow a change of the shape of the fin member even if the fin member 73 is deformed by heat; therefore, the high heat conduction can be maintained.
- the thermal energy can be efficiently converted into electric energy by making use of the large temperature difference between the fin member 73 and the coolant case 54 (the difference between the temperature of the lid member 73 C to which the heat of the fins 73 B is fully conducted through the solder 74 , and the temperature of the inner frame 54 A cooled by the coolant).
- the exhaust emission control systems according to the present invention are able to efficiently re-collect the thermal energy of exhaust gas and convert it into electric energy, without increase in the time to the arrival of the catalyst at the activation temperature.
Abstract
An exhaust emission control system of the present invention comprises a generator having a thermoelectric conversion element for achieving thermoelectric conversion by making use of heat of exhaust gas; an exhaust purifying catalyst disposed in the generator or on the exhaust downstream side of the generator; and a heat conduction varying device for making heat conduction from the exhaust gas to the thermoelectric conversion element variable between a high conduction state and a low conduction state. When a temperature of the exhaust purifying catalyst is higher than a predetermined temperature, the heat conduction varying device varies the heat conduction from the exhaust gas to the thermoelectric conversion element into the high conduction state. This permits the system to efficiently re-collect thermal energy from the exhaust gas and convert it into electric energy, without increase in a time to arrival of the exhaust purifying catalyst at an activation temperature thereof.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to an exhaust emission control system having a generator for converting thermal energy of exhaust into electric energy, and an exhaust purifying catalyst.
- 2. Related Background Art
- Exhaust gas from an automobile engine possesses thermal energy and discharge of exhaust gas results in wasting energy. There is thus an electric generator configured to convert the thermal energy of exhaust gas into electric energy to charge a battery. An example of such generator is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-35824.
- This generator has a thermoelectric conversion element provided on an exhaust pipe, and a bimetallic element as a thermal connection means for conducting heat from the exhaust pipe to the thermoelectric conversion element. While the temperature of the exothermic member (exhaust pipe) is below an allowable temperature limit of the thermoelectric conversion element, the bimetallic element stays undeformed to conduct the heat of the exothermic member (exhaust pipe) to the thermoelectric conversion element. Conversely, while the temperature of the exothermic member exceeds the allowable temperature limit, the bimetallic element is deformed to break the mechanical contact between the exothermic member and the thermoelectric conversion element so as to interrupt the thermal conduction.
- The recent automobiles are provided with an exhaust purifying catalyst on the exhaust pipe, in order to eliminate carbon oxide and others from exhaust gas. Its purifying function of this catalyst is exerted at temperatures of more than its activation temperature. It can be contemplated to construct an exhaust emission control system in a configuration wherein the generator as described above is mounted on the automobile exhaust pipe and wherein the catalyst is provided downstream thereof.
- In the exhaust emission control system with the generator and the catalyst in this configuration, however, the generator performs the generating operation even during periods in which the catalyst is below the activation temperature, e.g., right after starting an engine. If the heat in exhaust gas is used for generation of electricity, there will arise a problem that the time to arrival of the catalyst at the activation temperature becomes longer, so as to delay the exertion of the purifying action.
- An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an exhaust emission control system capable of efficiently converting thermal energy of exhaust gas into electric energy, without slowing the arrival of the catalyst at the activation temperature.
- An exhaust emission control system of the present invention comprises a generator which has a thermoelectric conversion element for generating electricity by thermoelectric conversion utilizing heat of exhaust gas from an engine. A catalyst is disposed in the generator or downstream thereof. The exhaust emission control system of the present invention also comprises heat conduction varying means for making heat conduction from the exhaust gas to the thermoelectric conversion element variable between a high conduction state and a low conduction state. When a temperature of the catalyst is higher than a temperature set based on an activation temperature of the catalyst, the heat conduction varying means makes prominent the heat conduction from the exhaust gas to the thermoelectric conversion element.
- The exhaust emission control system according to the present invention comprises the heat conduction varying means for making the heat conduction to the thermoelectric conversion element variable, and is configured to keep the heat conduction in the high conduction state when the temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature (the activation temperature of the catalyst or the temperature set based on the activation temperature). For this reason, the amount of heat conducted to the thermoelectric conversion element is kept small before activation of the catalyst, whereby the catalyst can quickly reach the activation temperature. After the catalyst is activated, the heat conduction to the thermoelectric conversion element is switched into the high conduction state, whereby the thermal energy of exhaust gas can be efficiently re-collected to be converted into electric energy.
- The heat conduction varying means comprises a heat re-collector for re-collecting the heat of the exhaust gas, and a coolant path. The heat re-collector and the coolant path are placed on respective sides of the thermoelectric conversion element. The thermoelectric conversion element can be constructed in a configuration wherein it is arranged movable relative to the heat re-collector, is brought into contact with the heat re-collector with introduction of a coolant into the coolant path, and is separated apart from the heat re-collector without introduction of the coolant into the coolant path.
- In the generator, the thermoelectric conversion element performs the thermoelectric conversion with introduction of the coolant into the coolant path. For this reason, the heat conduction turns into the high conduction state upon introduction of the coolant into the coolant path, whereby the heat conduction can be kept in the high conduction state during heat re-collection.
- The heat conduction varying means comprises a heat re-collector for re-collecting the heat of the exhaust gas, and the heat re-collector has a heat medium receptacle. It is also possible to adopt a configuration wherein the heat conduction is maintained in the high conduction state while a heat medium is retained in the heat medium receptacle and wherein the heat conduction is maintained in the low conduction state while the heat medium is not retained in the heat medium receptacle. In this manner, the heat conduction can be readily made variable between the high conduction state and the low conduction state by retaining the heat medium in the heat medium receptacle or by removing the heat medium from the heat medium receptacle.
- Furthermore, the heat conduction varying means comprises a heat re-collector for re-collecting the heat of the exhaust gas. The heat re-collector is disposed around an exhaust path in which the exhaust gas flows. Furthermore, the thermoelectric conversion element is disposed in a state of contact with the heat re-collector and along the periphery of the heat re-collector. It is also possible to adopt a configuration wherein the thermoelectric conversion element and the exhaust path are arranged to be able to be separated from each other by pulling the thermoelectric conversion element to rotate the thermoelectric conversion element around a fulcrum at one end of the thermoelectric conversion element, wherein the heat conduction is in the high conduction state while the thermoelectric conversion element and the heat re-collector are kept in contact with each other, and wherein the heat conduction is in the low conduction state while the thermoelectric conversion element and the heat re-collector are separated from each other. This mechanical structure can also make the heat conduction readily variable between the high conduction state and the low conduction state.
- It is also possible to adopt a configuration wherein the heat conduction varying means comprises a heat re-collector for re-collecting the heat of the exhaust gas, wherein a contact surface of the heat re-collector with the thermoelectric conversion element is deformable, and wherein a contact area of the contact surface with the thermoelectric conversion element becomes larger in a high heat state than in a low heat state of the heat re-collector. By making use of the deformation of the contact surface in this manner, it is feasible to readily make the conduction state variable between the high conduction state and the low conduction state.
- In this configuration, the contact surface can be so constructed that it becomes flat when the contact area of the heat re-collector with the thermoelectric conversion element is large and that it becomes curved when the contact area is small. By shaping the contact surface in this manner, it is feasible to readily switch the conduction state between the high conduction state and the low conduction state.
- Furthermore, it is also possible to adopt a configuration wherein the heat conduction varying means comprises a heat re-collector for re-collecting the heat of the exhaust gas, wherein a hardness change material is disposed between the heat re-collector and the thermoelectric conversion element, wherein the heat conduction is in the high conduction state between the heat re-collector and the thermoelectric conversion element in a soft state of the hardness change material, and wherein the heat conduction is in the low conduction state between the heat re-collector and the thermoelectric conversion element in a hard state of the hardness change material. By using the hardness change material of this kind, it is also feasible to readily make the heat conduction variable between the high conduction state and the low conduction state.
- In this case, it is possible to adopt a configuration wherein the hardness change material is formed so that a phase change material is retained in a flexible case. By using the phase change material in the flexible case, it is feasible to readily form the hardness change material.
- The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not to be considered as limiting the present invention.
- Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
-
FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of an exhaust emission control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of a generator. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional plan view showing states of a thermoelectric conversion module and a heat conductor. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of a generator in an exhaust emission control system according to a second embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing states in which oil is retained in an oil receptacle in a generator, or in an oil reservoir. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of a generator in an exhaust emission control system according to a third embodiment. -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of a guide member. -
FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line A-A inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing states of a thermoelectric conversion module and a heat conductor. -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional plan view of a generator in an exhaust emission control system according to a fourth embodiment. -
FIG. 11 is an illustration showing a modified form of a fin member in a generator. -
FIG. 12 is an illustration for illustrating a principle of deformation of a fin member in a generator. -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional plan view of major part of a generator in an exhaust emission control system according to a fifth embodiment. -
FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing states of deformation of a buffer pad in a generator. -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional plan view of major part of a generator in an exhaust emission control system according to a sixth embodiment. - The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Throughout the embodiments, parts having the same functionality will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description thereof.
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exhaust emission control system according to an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of a generator (a cross section by a plane perpendicular to the flow of exhaust gas). - As shown in
FIG. 1 , the exhaust emission control system 1 of the present embodiment has anexhaust pipe 2. Theexhaust pipe 2 is connected to anengine 3, and exhaust gas from theengine 3 flows in theexhaust pipe 2 to be discharged from an unrepresented muffler to the outside. - A
generator 4 is provided midway on theexhaust pipe 2. Thegenerator 4 converts thermal energy of exhaust gas into electric energy. Apump 6 for circulating a coolant through acoolant pipe 5 is connected to thegenerator 4, and acontroller 7 is electrically connected to thepump 6. - The
controller 7 controls thepump 6 while determining whether thepump 6 is to be driven, based on the temperature of exhaust gas or the like. Thecoolant pipe 5 is provided with aheat exchanger 8. Theheat exchanger 8 cools the heated coolant by heat exchange. - Furthermore, an
exhaust purifying catalyst 9 is provided downstream of thegenerator 4 on theexhaust pipe 2. Thecatalyst 9 is a three way catalyst and cleans up substances such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monooxide, and hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas. Theexhaust pipe 2 is equipped with atemperature sensor 10. Thetemperature sensor 10 detects the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing in theexhaust pipe 2 and outputs the detected temperature to thecontroller 7. - The
generator 4 is provided with ahousing 11, as shown inFIG. 2 , and fourexhaust paths 12 are formed in thehousing 11. The exhaust gas from theengine 3 shown inFIG. 1 flows through the fourexhaust paths 12 to be discharged toward thecatalyst 9. Eachexhaust path 12 is provided with afin member 13 for re-collecting the thermal energy from the exhaust gas. Thefin member 13 serves as a heat re-collector. Thefin member 13 is comprised of aheat conductor 13A andfins 13B, and thefins 13B extend from theheat conductor 13A. Theseheat conductor 13A andfins 13B are integrally formed by extrusion or the like. -
Coolant cases 14 are mounted at respective locations corresponding to thefin members 13, in an outer casing of thehousing 11, and eachcoolant case 14 is comprised of aninner frame 14A and anouter frame 14B. Theouter frame 14B is fixed to the outer casing of thehousing 11. Theinner frame 14A is movable relative to theouter frame 14B. -
Coolant paths 14C are formed in eachinner frame 14A and the coolant supplied from thecoolant pipe 5 shown inFIG. 1 flows in thecoolant paths 14C. As the coolant flows in thecoolant paths 14C, theinner frame 14A moves toward thefin member 13. A sealingmember 14D is provided at a location on the interior side of theouter frame 14B where theinner frame 14A slides. The sealingmember 14D prevents the coolant from flowing out to the outside. - A
thermoelectric conversion module 15 which is a thermoelectric conversion element of the present invention is mounted on the interior side of eachinner frame 14A (on the side of theheat conductor 13A of thefin member 13 opposite to theouter frame 14B). Thethermoelectric conversion module 15 is an element for converting thermal energy into electric energy by making use of the so-called Seebeck effect. Namely, thethermoelectric conversion module 15 uses a temperature difference to effect thermoelectric conversion and the larger the temperature difference, the more it can generate electricity (or convert thermal energy into electric energy). As the coolant flows in thecoolant paths 14C to move theinner frame 14A toward thefin member 13, thethermoelectric conversion module 15 also moves in the same direction so that thethermoelectric conversion module 15 comes into contact with thefin member 13. In this manner, thecoolant cases 14 form the heat conduction varying means of the present invention. - Furthermore, a
spring 16 is mounted between the peripheral region of theheat conductor 13A of eachfin member 13 and theinner frame 14A of eachcoolant case 14. Thespring 16 is located around thethermoelectric conversion module 15. Thespring 16 biases theheat conductor 13A in thefin member 13 and theinner frame 14A of thecoolant case 14 in mutually departing directions. - The operation and action of the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described below.
- In the exhaust emission control system 1 of the present embodiment, the
engine 3 emits exhaust gas during operation of theengine 3. The emitted exhaust gas flows through theexhaust pipe 2 to pass thegenerator 4 and to reach thecatalyst 9. Thiscatalyst 9 cleans up the exhaust gas. However, if the temperature of thecatalyst 9 is low under an activation temperature thereof, thecatalyst 9 will fail to fully fulfill the cleanup performance. Thecatalyst 9 is in a low temperature state, e.g., immediately after a start of theengine 3. If thegenerator 4 operates to re-collect the heat of the exhaust gas in this state, it will take a long time to bring thecatalyst 9 into an activated state. - In the exhaust emission control system 1 of the present embodiment, a threshold of a predetermined temperature is set based on the activation temperature of the
catalyst 9. Specifically, the activation temperature is used as a threshold. The activation temperature is determined depending upon thecatalyst 9. Thecontroller 7 estimates the temperature of thecatalyst 9, based on the temperature of the exhaust gas outputted from thetemperature sensor 10, and compares the temperature of thecatalyst 9 with the activation temperature. - When the comparison result is that the temperature of the
catalyst 9 is below the activation temperature, thecontroller 7 outputs a stop signal to thepump 6 to deactivate thepump 6, thereby keeping the coolant from being supplied to the generator 4 (or from being circulated). While the coolant is not supplied to thegenerator 4, as shown inFIG. 3 (a), thethermoelectric conversion module 15 is located apart from theheat conductor 13A of eachfin member 13 by the elastic force of thespring 16. - As the
thermoelectric conversion module 15 is located apart from theheat conductor 13A of thefin member 13, only little heat is conducted to thethermoelectric conversion module 15 even with flow of the exhaust gas through theexhaust path 12. As a result, no heat re-collection is effected from the exhaust gas, so that the exhaust gas flows to thecatalyst 9 while keeping its high temperature. Therefore, the exhaust gas with large amount of heat is supplied to thecatalyst 9, whereby thecatalyst 9 can reach the activation temperature within a short period of time. - On the other hand, when the temperature of the
catalyst 9 estimated by thecontroller 7 is not less than the activation temperature, thecontroller 7 outputs an activation signal to thepump 6 to activate thepump 6, thereby circulating and supplying the coolant into thecoolant cases 14 of thegenerator 4. As the coolant is supplied into eachcoolant case 14, as shown inFIG. 3 (b), theinner frame 14A in thecoolant case 14 moves toward thefin member 13 against the elastic force of thespring 16. With this movement of theinner frame 14A, thethermoelectric conversion module 15 also moves toward thefin member 13, so that thethermoelectric conversion module 15 comes into contact with theheat conductor 13A of thefin member 13. - While the
thermoelectric conversion module 15 is in contact with theheat conductor 13A of thefin member 13, thefins 13B re-collect the heat from the exhaust gas and transfer the heat to thethermoelectric conversion module 15. Thethermoelectric conversion module 15 efficiently converts thermal energy into electric energy by making use of the large temperature difference between thefin member 13 and the coolant case 14 (the difference between the temperature of theheat conductor 13A heated by the heat of the exhaust gas and the temperature of theinner frame 14A cooled by the coolant) and supplies the electric energy to an unrepresented battery or the like. - The exhaust gas after the heat re-collection by the
fins 13B has a reduced amount of heat, and a lower temperature. For this reason, the exhaust gas is at a low temperature and in a low thermal energy state when arriving at thecatalyst 9. However, since thecatalyst 9 has already reached the activation temperature, it can fully demonstrate its cleanup performance. Accordingly, the system is able to efficiently re-collect the heat in the exhaust gas. - In this manner, the exhaust emission control system 1 of the present embodiment is constructed in such a configuration that when the temperature of the
catalyst 9 does not reach the activation temperature, the heat of the exhaust gas is preferentially supplied to thecatalyst 9 and that when the temperature of thecatalyst 9 reaches the activation temperature, the heat re-collection by thegenerator 4 is preferentially carried out. Therefore, the system is able to efficiently convert the thermal energy of exhaust gas into the electric energy, without slowing the arrival of thecatalyst 9 at the activation temperature. - The present embodiment uses the activation temperature itself as the threshold of the predetermined temperature set based on the activation temperature of the
catalyst 9, but it is also possible to set a temperature a little lower than the activation temperature, or a temperature a little higher than the activation temperature. The present embodiment estimates the temperature of thecatalyst 9 from the temperature of the exhaust gas, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration of estimating the temperature of thecatalyst 9 from an operation condition and/or an operation period of the engine. Of course, it is also possible to directly detect the temperature of thecatalyst 9. - The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment is different in the structure of the generator from the first embodiment and has much the same configuration as the one shown in
FIG. 1 , in the other respects.FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of the generator in the exhaust emission control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , thegenerator 20 in the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment has ahousing 21, and fourexhaust paths 22 are formed in thehousing 21. Eachexhaust path 22 is provided with afin member 23 for re-collecting the thermal energy from the exhaust gas. Thefin member 23 is comprised of aheat conductor 23A andfins 23B, and thefins 23B extend from theheat conductor 23A. -
Coolant cases 24 are provided at respective locations corresponding to thefin members 23, in an outer casing of thehousing 21. Eachcoolant case 24 is comprised of aninner frame 24A and anouter frame 24B fixed to each other, andcoolant paths 24C are formed in theinner frame 24A. The coolant supplied from thecoolant pipe 5 shown inFIG. 1 flows in thecoolant paths 24C. - A
thermoelectric conversion module 25 is fixed to thefin member 23 side of theinner frame 24A of eachcoolant case 24. Thethermoelectric conversion module 25 is an element for converting thermal energy into electric energy by making use of the so-called Seebeck effect, as in the first embodiment. Thisthermoelectric conversion module 25 is in contact with the fin member 23 (through a sheet material) to be kept in a heat conductible state. - A
leaf spring 26 is placed between eachcoolant case 24 and thehousing 21. Theleaf spring 26 pushes thecoolant case 24 toward thefin member 23 by reaction force against thehousing 21. Thethermoelectric conversion module 25 is urged against theheat conductor 23A of the fin member 23 (through the sheet material) by the elastic force of theleaf spring 26. - Furthermore, an
oil receptacle 27 as a heat medium receptacle is formed around thefins 23B in thefin members 23. Theoil receptacle 27 can be filled with oil as a heat medium. Anoil port 28 and anair port 29 are connected to thisoil receptacle 27. The oil enters and leaves theoil receptacle 27 through theoil port 28, and air enters and leaves theoil receptacle 27 through theair port 29. In this connection, air is eliminated in a state in which the oil is in theoil receptacle 27, whereas theoil receptacle 27 is filled with air in a state in which the oil is eliminated out of thereceptacle 27. - This
oil port 28 is in communication with anoil passage 30 shown inFIG. 5 , and theair port 29 in communication with anair passage 31. Theoil passage 30 is provided with anoil reservoir 32. While the oil L is not retained in theoil receptacle 27, the oil is stored in thisoil reservoir 32. Theoil passage 30 and theair passage 31 are connected each to anoil moving piston 33. With movement of theoil moving piston 33, the oil L can be moved between theoil receptacle 27 and theoil reservoir 32. Thecontroller 7 is connected to theoil moving piston 33 and thecontroller 7 controls theoil moving piston 33. - In the exhaust emission control system with the
generator 20 according to the present embodiment having the above configuration, the temperature of thecatalyst 9 is estimated based on the temperature signal outputted from thetemperature sensor 10, in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In consequence, when the temperature of thecatalyst 9 estimated by thecontroller 7 is not less than the activation temperature, thepump 6 is activated to circulate the coolant in thecoolant cases 24 of thegenerator 20. In conjunction therewith, thecontroller 7 outputs a control signal to theoil moving piston 33 to activate theoil moving piston 33 so that theoil receptacle 27 in thegenerator 20 is filled with the oil L, as shown inFIG. 5 (a). - When the
oil receptacle 27 is filled with the oil L, the heat of the exhaust gas flowing through theexhaust paths 22 is conducted in the high conduction state to thefins 23B. As a result, eachthermoelectric conversion module 25 is able to efficiently convert thermal energy into electric energy by making use of the large temperature difference between thefin member 23 and the coolant case 24 (the difference between the temperature of theheat conductor 23A heated by the heat of the exhaust gas through the oil L and the temperature of theinner frame 24A cooled by the coolant). At this time, the heat is re-collected from the exhaust gas flowing to thecatalyst 9, to lower the temperature, but thecatalyst 9 is already in a highly active state enough to be able to fully demonstrate the cleanup action. - On the other hand, when the temperature of the
catalyst 9 is lower than the activation temperature, thecontroller 7 outputs a stop signal to thepump 6 to deactivate thepump 6. In conjunction therewith, thecontroller 7 outputs a control signal to theoil moving piston 33 to activate theoil moving piston 33 so that the oil L is removed from theoil receptacle 27 and retained in theoil reservoir 32 and so that theoil receptacle 27 is filled with air, as shown inFIG. 5 (b). - While the
oil receptacle 27 is filled with air instead of the oil, the air in theoil receptacle 27 interrupts heat conduction from the exhaust gas to thefins 23B during flow of the exhaust gas through theexhaust paths 22. For this reason, heat is hardly conducted from the exhaust gas to thefins 23B, and the exhaust gas flows from thegenerator 20 to thecatalyst 9 while maintaining its high temperature. Therefore, the exhaust gas with large amount of heat is supplied to thecatalyst 9, so that thecatalyst 9 can reach the activation temperature within a short period of time. - In addition, the
pump 6 is stopped to terminate the circulation and supply of the coolant during periods except for heat re-collection periods. This can prevent the system from wasting the power for activation of thepump 6. - As described above, the exhaust emission control system with the
generator 20 in the present embodiment is also able to efficiently convert the thermal energy of exhaust gas into electric energy, without slowing the arrival of the catalyst at the activation temperature. - The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The exhaust emission control system according to the present embodiment is different in the structure of the generator from the first embodiment and has much the same configuration as that shown in
FIG. 1 , in the other respects.FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of the generator in the exhaust emission control system of the third embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 7 an enlarged plan view of a guide member, andFIG. 8 a sectional view along line A-A inFIG. 7 . - As shown in
FIG. 6 , thegenerator 40 in the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment has ahousing 41, and oneexhaust path 42 is formed in the central part of thehousing 41. Theexhaust path 42 is provided with a plurality offins 43. The fins are mounted on an inner surface of a tubular heat-conductingmember 44, and thefins 43 and the heat-conductingmember 44 are integrally formed, for example, by extrusion. - Eight
heat conductors 44A serving as the heat re-collector of the present invention are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, in the outer peripheral region of the heat-conductingmember 44. An outer surface of eachheat conductor 44A is formed in flat shape, and this flat surface is arranged at such an angular position that it is offset a little outward from a line extending in the radial direction of an inside section in the heat-conductingmember 44. - A
thermoelectric conversion module 45 is mounted on each of theseheat conductors 44A. Thethermoelectric conversion module 45 is an element for converting thermal energy into electric energy by making use of the so-called Seebeck effect, as in each of the above embodiments. While thethermoelectric conversion modules 45 are in contact with theheat conductors 44A of the heat-conductingmember 44, the heat of the exhaust gas in theexhaust path 42 is conducted through the heat-conductingmember 44 to thethermoelectric conversion modules 45.Coolant cases 46 are mounted on the respectivethermoelectric conversion modules 45. Coolant paths are formed in eachcoolant case 46. - The
housing 41 is also provided withrotation rails 47 arranged so as to surround the outside of all thecoolant cases 46, and the rotation rails 47 are arranged substantially concentrically with theexhaust path 42 of a circular cross section; i.e., the center of the rotation rails 47 is substantially coincident with the center of theexhaust path 42 of the circular cross section. Furthermore, outside thecoolant cases 46, as shown inFIG. 8 , guidemembers 48 capable of sliding along the rotation rails 47 are mounted on the respective cases. - A
wire 49 is attached at the central position of eachguide member 48 so as to penetrate it. Thewire 49 is coupled to all the eightguide members 48 so that theguide members 48 can move along the rotation rails 47 by pulling thewire 49. One end of thewire 49 is connected to an unrepresented actuator, and thewire 49 can be pulled by actuation of the actuator. - Furthermore, each
guide member 48 is pushed by an unrepresented spring, and the spring keeps thethermoelectric conversion module 45 in contact with theheat conductor 44A while thewire 49 is not pulled. With actuation of the actuator, thewire 49 is pulled against elastic forces of the springs to move theguide members 48. Thecontroller 7 outputs a control signal to the actuator. The controller outputs the control signal to the actuator, based on the estimated temperature of thecatalyst 9. - In the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment having the above configuration, the temperature of the
catalyst 9 is estimated based on the temperature signal outputted from thetemperature sensor 10, as in the first embodiment. In consequence, when the temperature of thecatalyst 9 estimated by thecontroller 7 is not less than the activation temperature, thepump 6 is activated to circulate the coolant in thecoolant cases 46 of thegenerator 40 in conjunction therewith, thecontroller 7 keeps the actuator in an inactive state to free thewire 49, and thethermoelectric conversion modules 45 are kept in contact with theheat conductors 44A of the heat-conductingmember 44 by the elastic forces of the unrepresented springs, as shown inFIG. 9 (a). It is noted thatFIG. 9 is depicted without illustration of the rotation rails 47 andhousing 41. - As the
thermoelectric conversion modules 45 are kept in contact with theheat conductors 44A in this manner, the heat of the exhaust gas flowing in theexhaust path 42 is re-collected by thefins 43 and conducted in the high conduction state to thethermoelectric conversion modules 45. As a result, thethermoelectric conversion modules 45 are able to efficiently convert thermal energy into electric energy by making use of the large temperature difference between the heat-conductingmember 44 and the coolant cases 46 (the difference between the temperature of theheat conductors 44A heated by the heat of exhaust gas and the temperature of thecoolant cases 46 cooled by the coolant). At this time, the heat is re-collected from the exhaust gas flowing to thecatalyst 9, to lower the temperature, but thecatalyst 9 is already in a highly active state enough to be able to fully demonstrate the cleanup action. - On the other hand, when the temperature of the
catalyst 9 is below the activation temperature, thecontroller 7 outputs a stop signal to thepump 6 to stop thepump 6. In conjunction therewith, thecontroller 7 outputs an activation signal to the actuator to actuate the actuator so as to pull thewire 49. When thewire 49 is pulled by the actuator, theguide members 48 move along the rotation rails 47. At this time, since the line passing the center of the rotation rails 47 is offset from the center axis of the guide members 48 (the axis perpendicular to the surface of the thermoelectric conversion modules 45), the pulling action of thewire 49 results in moving thethermoelectric conversion modules 45 away from theheat conductors 44A, as shown inFIG. 9 (b). - As the
thermoelectric conversion modules 45 are detached from theheat conductors 44A, an air layer is created between thethermoelectric conversion modules 45 and theheat conductors 44A, and the heat of the exhaust gas flowing in theexhaust path 42 is not conducted through the heat-conductingmember 44 to thethermoelectric conversion modules 45. Therefore, the exhaust gas flows from thegenerator 40 to thecatalyst 9 while maintaining its high temperature. For this reason, the exhaust gas with large amount of heat is supplied to thecatalyst 9, so that thecatalyst 9 can reach the activation temperature within a short period of time. - During periods except for heat re-collection periods, the
pump 6 is stopped to terminate the circulation and supply of the coolant. This can prevent the system from wasting the power for actuation of thepump 6. - The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment is different in the structure of the generator from the first embodiment and has much the same configuration as that shown in
FIG. 1 , in the other respects.FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional plan view of the generator in the exhaust emission control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , thegenerator 50 in the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment has ahousing 51, and fourexhaust paths 52 are formed in thehousing 51. Eachexhaust path 52 is provided with afin member 53 for re-collecting the thermal energy from the exhaust gas. - Each
fin member 53 is comprised of aheat conductor 53A andfins 53B, and thefins 53B extend from theheat conductor 53A. Thefins 53B are large in the central region of theheat conductor 53A and decrease their size toward the side edges. Acontact surface 53C in contact with thethermoelectric conversion module 25 is formed in a surface without thefins 53B, of eachheat conductor 53A. - The
heat conductors 53A are deformable by the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing in theexhaust paths 52. Namely, theheat conductors 53A are made of a thermally deformable material. In a state where thegenerator 50 is not warmed up well and where the temperature of thegenerator 50 is low, thecontact surface 53C contacted with thethermoelectric conversion module 25 is curved, as shown inFIG. 11 (a). In a state where thegenerator 50 is warmed up well and where the temperature of thegenerator 50 is high, thecontact surface 53C contacted with thethermoelectric conversion module 25 is flat, as shown inFIG. 11 (b). -
Coolant cases 54 are mounted at respective positions corresponding to thefin members 53 in the outer casing of thehousing 51, and eachcoolant case 54 is comprised of aninner frame 54A and anouter frame 54B. Theouter frame 54B is fixed to the outer casing of the housing and theinner frame 54A is fixed to theouter frame 54B.Coolant paths 54C are formed in eachinner frame 54A, and the coolant supplied from thecoolant pipe 5 shown inFIG. 1 flows in thecoolant paths 54C. - In the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment having the above configuration, the temperature of the
catalyst 9 is estimated based on the temperature signal outputted from thetemperature sensor 10 shown inFIG. 1 , as in the first embodiment. In consequence, when the temperature of thecatalyst 9 estimated by thecontroller 7 is not less than the activation temperature, thepump 6 is activated to circulate the coolant in thecoolant cases 54 of thegenerator 50. - In a state in which the temperature of the
catalyst 9 is too low to fully demonstrate its cleanup performance, the temperature of thegenerator 50 is also low. While the temperature of thegenerator 50 is low, the contact surfaces 53C are curved, as shown inFIG. 11 (a). At this time, thefins 53B are nearly parallel to each other. In the curved shape of the contact surfaces 53C, the contact area is small between the contact surfaces 53C and thethermoelectric conversion modules 25. As a result, thethermoelectric conversion modules 25 decrease the quantity of conversion from thermal energy to electric energy so as to feed more heat to thecatalyst 9 by that degree, whereby thecatalyst 9 can reach the activation temperature within a short period of time. On the other hand, when thecatalyst 9 is warmed up to increase the temperature, thegenerator 50 is also warmed up with thecatalyst 9, so that the contact surfaces 53C become nearly flat, as shown inFIG. 11 (b). At this time, the fins are deformed so as to expand the spacing between distal ends ofadjacent fins 53B. - This deformation of the
fin members 53 is attributed to two temperature distributions (temperature differences) in thefin members 53. The first one is the temperature difference between theexhaust path 52 side and thethermoelectric conversion module 25 side in eachheat conductor 53A. Out of the temperatures on theexhaust path 52 side and on thethermoelectric conversion module 25 side in theheat conductor 53A, the temperature is higher on theexhaust path 52 side. When the temperature is higher on theexhaust path 52 side, as shown inFIG. 12 (a), theexhaust path 52 side in theheat conductor 53A expands more than thethermoelectric conversion module 25 side. - The second temperature distribution is the temperature difference between the
fins 53B in the central region of theheat conductor 53A and thefins 53B in the edge regions. Thefins 53B in the central region of theheat conductor 53A are larger than those 53B in the edge regions and, also have a larger surface area. For this reason, as shown inFIG. 12 (b), thefins 53B in the central region absorb more heat from the exhaust gas than thefins 53B in the edge regions. - These two temperature distributions bend the
heat conductor 53A in thefin member 53 wholly toward thethermoelectric conversion module 25, as shown inFIG. 12 (c). As a result, thecontact surface 53C with thethermoelectric conversion module 25 turns into the shape close to a flat surface. - In this manner, the
contact surface 53C of thefin member 53 with thethermoelectric conversion module 25 becomes close to a flat surface, or becomes a flat surface, whereby the contact area increases between theheat conductor 53A of thefin member 53 and thethermoelectric conversion module 25 and whereby the heat in the exhaust gas can be efficiently re-collected by that degree. Namely, thethermoelectric conversion modules 25 are able to efficiently convert thermal energy into electric energy by making use of the large temperature difference between thefin members 53 and the coolant cases 54 (the difference between the temperature of theheat conductors 53A heated by the heat of exhaust gas and the temperature of theinner frames 54A cooled by the coolant). - The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment is different in the structure of the generator from the first embodiment and has much the same configuration as that shown in
FIG. 1 , in the other respects.FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional plan view of major part of the generator in the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment. - As shown in
FIG. 13 , thegenerator 60 in the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment hasexhaust paths 62. Theexhaust paths 62 are formed in a housing similar to thehousing 51 shown inFIG. 10 , which was described in the fourth embodiment. There are fourexhaust paths 62 formed in the housing, as in the fourth embodiment. - Each
exhaust path 62 is provided with afin member 63 for re-collecting thermal energy from the exhaust gas. Thefin member 63 is comprised of aheat conductor 63A andfins 63B, and thefins 63B extend from theheat conductor 63A. Aflange 63C is formed at the side edge of theheat conductor 63A, and abuffer pad 64, which is a hardness change material of the present invention, is provided between theheat conductor 63A and theflange 63C. - The
buffer pad 64, as shown inFIG. 14 , is comprised of asolder 64A, which is a phase change material, and aflexible case 64B. Thesolder 64A turns into a solid (solid phase) or into a liquid (liquid phase), depending upon temperatures of thefin member 63 and thethermoelectric conversion module 25. Thesolder 64A is liquid when the temperatures of thefin member 63 andthermoelectric conversion module 25 are high. Thesolder 64A is solid when the temperatures of thefin member 63 andthermoelectric conversion module 25 are low. The phase change material can be another metal with a low melting point such as lead, besides the solder. - On the opposite side of the
buffer pad 64 to thefin member 63, thethermoelectric conversion module 25 is provided in a contact state. Thebuffer pad 64 is disposed between thefin member 63 and thethermoelectric conversion module 25 to conduct the heat re-collected by thefin member 63, to thethermoelectric conversion module 25. - In the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment having the above configuration, the temperature of the
catalyst 9 is estimated based on the temperature signal outputted from thetemperature sensor 10, as in the first embodiment. In consequence, when the temperature of thecatalyst 9 estimated by thecontroller 7 is not less than the activation temperature, thepump 6 is actuated to circulate the coolant in thecoolant cases 54 of thegenerator 60. - In a state in which the temperature of the
catalyst 9 is too low to fully demonstrate its cleanup performance, the temperature of thegenerator 60 is also low. Here thesolder 64A in thebuffer pad 64 is solid and, as shown inFIG. 14 (a), thesolder 64A is massive. For this reason, a clearance is made between thebuffer pad 64 and thefin member 63, so that the contact area between thebuffer pad 64 and thefin member 63 is very small. - When the
solder 64A is solid to keep the contact area small between thebuffer pad 64 and thefin member 63, thethermoelectric conversion module 25 decreases the amount of conversion from thermal energy into electric energy, so that more heat can be fed to thecatalyst 9 by that degree. Therefore, more heat can be supplied to thecatalyst 9 before warmed up, whereby thecatalyst 9 can reach the activation temperature within a short period of time. - On the other hand, in a state in which the temperature of the
catalyst 9 is high enough to fully demonstrate its cleanup performance, the temperature of thegenerator 60 is also high. At this time, thesolder 64A in thebuffer pad 64 is liquid and, as shown inFIG. 14 (b), thesolder 64A becomes flowable. When thesolder 64A becomes deformable, thebuffer pad 64 follows a change of the shape of thefin member 63 even if thefin member 63 is deformed by heat. Therefore, the large contact area can be maintained between thebuffer pad 64 and thefin member 63. - At this time, since the
catalyst 9 is fully warmed up, the amount of heat for the warmup of thecatalyst 9 is not necessary, and more thermal energy can be converted into electric energy. Since thesolder 64A is liquid herein to increase the contact area between thebuffer pad 64 and thefin member 63, the thermal energy can be efficiently converted into electric energy by making use of the large temperature difference between thefin member 63 and the coolant case 54 (the difference between the temperature of thebuffer pad 64 to which the heat of thefin member 63 is fully conducted, and the temperature of thecoolant case 54 cooled by the coolant). - The sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment is different in the structure of the generator from the first embodiment and has much the same configuration as that shown in
FIG. 1 , in the other respects.FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional plan view of major part of the generator in the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment. - As shown in
FIG. 15 , thegenerator 70 in the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment hasexhaust paths 72. Theexhaust paths 72 are formed in a housing similar to thehousing 51 shown inFIG. 10 described in the fourth embodiment. There are fourexhaust paths 72 formed in the housing, as in the fourth embodiment. - Each
exhaust path 72 is provided with afin member 73 for re-collecting the thermal energy from the exhaust gas. Thefin member 73 is comprised of aheat conductor 73A andfins 73B, and thefins 73B extend from theheat conductor 73A. A recess is formed in a surface of theheat conductor 73A where thefins 73B are not provided, and alid member 73C for closing this recess is fixed to the surface. - A
solder 74 as a phase change material is enclosed in the recess formed in theheat conductor 73A. Athermoelectric conversion module 25 is mounted on a surface of thelid member 73C opposite to theheat conductor 73A side. Acoolant case 54 is mounted on a surface of thethermoelectric conversion module 25 on the opposite side to thefin member 73. - In the exhaust emission control system of the present embodiment having the above configuration, the temperature of the
catalyst 9 is estimated based on the temperature signal outputted from thetemperature sensor 10, as in the first embodiment. In consequence, when the temperature of thecatalyst 9 estimated by thecontroller 7 is not less than the activation temperature, thepump 6 is actuated to circulate the coolant in thecoolant cases 54 of thegenerator 70. - When the temperature of the
catalyst 9 is too low to fully demonstrate its cleanup performance, the temperature of thegenerator 70 is also low. At this point, thesolder 74 enclosed in the recess of theheat conductor 73A is solid. Since thesolid solder 74 includes a lot of voids of bubbles, thissolder 74 keeps the heat conduction rate low from thefin member 73 to thethermoelectric conversion module 25 while being interposed between thefin member 73 and thethermoelectric conversion module 25. - As the heat conduction rate is low from the
fin member 73 to thethermoelectric conversion module 25, less heat is lost from the exhaust gas and more heat can be supplied to thecatalyst 9 by that degree. Accordingly, more heat can be supplied to thecatalyst 9 before warmed up, whereby thecatalyst 9 can reach the activation temperature within a short period of time. - On the other hand, in a state in which the temperature of the
catalyst 9 is high enough to fully demonstrate its cleanup performance, the temperature of thegenerator 60 is also high. At this time, thesolder 74 is liquid and flowable. Thesolder 74 in a deformable state improves the contact with thefin member 73, so as to increase the heat conduction from thefin member 73 to thethermoelectric conversion module 25. Particularly, since thesolder 74 has flowability, the solder can follow a change of the shape of the fin member even if thefin member 73 is deformed by heat; therefore, the high heat conduction can be maintained. - Since at this time the
catalyst 9 is already in a fully warmed state, the amount of heat for the warmup of thecatalyst 9 is not necessary and more thermal energy can be converted into electric energy. Since thesolder 74 is liquid herein to increase the thermal conduction to thethermoelectric conversion module 25, the thermal energy can be efficiently converted into electric energy by making use of the large temperature difference between thefin member 73 and the coolant case 54 (the difference between the temperature of thelid member 73C to which the heat of thefins 73B is fully conducted through thesolder 74, and the temperature of theinner frame 54A cooled by the coolant). - The exhaust emission control systems according to the present invention are able to efficiently re-collect the thermal energy of exhaust gas and convert it into electric energy, without increase in the time to the arrival of the catalyst at the activation temperature.
- From the invention thus described, it will be obvious that the invention may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended for inclusion within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (16)
1. An exhaust emission control system comprising:
a generator having a thermoelectric conversion element for achieving thermoelectric conversion by use of heat of exhaust gas;
an exhaust purifying catalyst disposed in the generator or on the exhaust downstream of the generator; and
heat conduction varying means for making heat conduction from the exhaust gas to the thermoelectric conversion element variable between a high conduction state and a low conduction state,
wherein when a temperature of the exhaust purifying catalyst is higher than a predetermined temperature, the heat conduction varying means varies the heat conduction from the exhaust gas to the thermoelectric conversion element into the high conduction state.
2. The exhaust emission control system according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined temperature is an activation temperature of the exhaust purifying catalyst.
3. The exhaust emission control system according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined temperature is a temperature set based on an activation temperature of the exhaust purifying catalyst.
4. The exhaust emission control system according to claim 1 , wherein the heat conduction varying means comprises a heat re-collector for re-collection of the heat of the exhaust gas, and a coolant path,
wherein the heat re-collector and the coolant path are placed on respective sides of the thermoelectric conversion element,
wherein the thermoelectric conversion element is movable relative to the heat re-collector, and
wherein with circulation of a coolant in the coolant path, the heat conduction varying means brings the thermoelectric conversion element into contact with the heat re-collector to vary the heat conduction into the high conduction state, and wherein without circulation of the coolant in the coolant path, the heat conduction varying means separates the thermoelectric conversion element from the heat re-collector to vary the heat conduction into the low conduction state.
5. The exhaust emission control system according to claim 1 , wherein the heat conduction varying means comprises a heat re-collector having a heat medium receptacle, wherein the high conduction state is achieved by retaining a heat medium in the heat medium receptacle, and wherein the low conduction state is achieved by retaining no heat medium in the heat medium receptacle.
6. The exhaust emission control system according to claim 5 , wherein the heat conduction varying means further comprises a coolant path,
wherein the heat re-collector and the coolant path are placed on respective sides of the thermoelectric conversion element, and
wherein the heat conduction varying means circulates a coolant in the coolant path with the heat medium being retained in the heat medium receptacle, and wherein the heat conduction varying means does not circulate the coolant in the coolant path with the heat medium not being retained in the heat medium receptacle.
7. The exhaust emission control system according to claim 1 , wherein the heat conduction varying means comprises a heat re-collector disposed around an exhaust path and configured to re-collect the heat of the exhaust gas,
wherein the thermoelectric conversion element is arranged movable along the periphery of the heat re-collector and is selectively controlled to be contact with or be detached from the heat re-collector, depending upon moving locations thereof, and
wherein the heat conduction varying means brings the thermoelectric conversion element into contact with the heat re-collector to achieve the high conduction state, and wherein the heat conduction varying means detaches the thermoelectric conversion element from the heat re-collector to achieve the low conduction state.
8. The exhaust emission control system according to claim 7 , wherein the thermoelectric conversion element is pulled so that the thermoelectric conversion element is rotated relative to the heat re-collector around a fulcrum at one end of the thermoelectric conversion element, whereby the thermoelectric conversion element is detached from the exhaust path.
9. The exhaust emission control system according to claim 7 , wherein the heat conduction varying means further comprises a coolant path,
wherein the heat re-collector and the coolant path are placed on respective sides of the thermoelectric conversion element, and
wherein the heat conduction varying means circulates a coolant in the coolant path with the the thermoelectric conversion element being contacted with the heat re-collector, and wherein the heat conduction varying means does not circulate the coolant in the coolant path with the thermoelectric conversion element being detached from the heat re-collector.
10. The exhaust emission control system according to claim 1 , wherein the heat conduction varying means comprises a heat re-collector for re-collection of the heat of the exhaust gas, wherein a contact surface of the heat re-collector with the thermoelectric conversion element is thermally deformable, and
wherein with increase in heat of the heat re-collector, a contact area of the contact surface with the thermoelectric conversion element increases.
11. The exhaust emission control system according to claim 10 , wherein the contact surface is a flat surface when the contact area is large, and wherein the contact surface is a curved surface when the contact area is small.
12. The exhaust emission control system according to claim 10 , wherein the heat conduction varying means further comprises a coolant path,
wherein the heat re-collector and the coolant path are placed on respective sides of the thermoelectric conversion element, and
wherein the heat conduction varying means circulates a coolant in the coolant path with the contact area is large, and wherein the heat conduction varying means does not circulate the coolant in the coolant path with the contact area is small.
13. The exhaust emission control system according to claim 1 , wherein the heat conduction varying means comprises a heat re-collector for re-collection of the heat of the exhaust gas, wherein a hardness change material is placed between the heat re-collector and the thermoelectric conversion element, wherein the high conduction state is achieved when the hardness change material is soft, and wherein the low conduction state is achieved when the hardness change material is hard.
14. The exhaust emission control system according to claim 13 , wherein the hardness change material is formed by retaining a phase change material in a flexible case.
15. The exhaust emission control system according to claim 13 , wherein the hardness change material changes its hardness depending upon temperature, wherein the hardness change material becomes soft at a high temperature to enhance contact between the heat re-collector and the thermoelectric conversion element, and wherein the hardness change material becomes hard at a low temperature to weaken the contact between the heat re-collector and the thermoelectric conversion element.
16. The exhaust emission control system according to claim 15 , wherein the heat conduction varying means further comprises a coolant path,
wherein the heat re-collector and the coolant path are placed on respective sides of the thermoelectric conversion element, and
wherein the heat conduction varying means circulates a coolant in the coolant path with the hardness change material being soft, and wherein the heat conduction varying means does not circulate the coolant in the coolant path with hardness change material being hard.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JPP2003-347245 | 2003-10-06 | ||
JP2003347245 | 2003-10-06 | ||
JP2004012256A JP4165405B2 (en) | 2003-10-06 | 2004-01-20 | Exhaust gas purification device |
JPP2004-012256 | 2004-01-20 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050072142A1 true US20050072142A1 (en) | 2005-04-07 |
US7467513B2 US7467513B2 (en) | 2008-12-23 |
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US10/957,725 Expired - Fee Related US7467513B2 (en) | 2003-10-06 | 2004-10-05 | Exhaust emission control system |
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US (1) | US7467513B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1522685B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4165405B2 (en) |
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DE (1) | DE602004003652T2 (en) |
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DE102008002096A1 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2009-12-03 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Heat exchanger i.e. flow pipe, for use in exhaust tract of internal combustion engine of motor vehicle, has flow channel having cross-sectional area, which decreases along flow path of one of hold and cold media |
US20100186398A1 (en) * | 2006-08-31 | 2010-07-29 | Norbert Huber | Thermoelectric facility comprising a thermoelectric generator and means for limiting the temperature on the generator |
US20100186399A1 (en) * | 2006-08-31 | 2010-07-29 | Huettinger Simon | Thermoelectric facility comprising a thermoelectric generator and means for limiting the temperature on the generator |
US20100251744A1 (en) * | 2009-04-02 | 2010-10-07 | Young-Hoon Yun | Refrigerator having ice making room |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1522685A1 (en) | 2005-04-13 |
CN100560953C (en) | 2009-11-18 |
EP1522685B1 (en) | 2006-12-13 |
DE602004003652T2 (en) | 2007-09-27 |
US7467513B2 (en) | 2008-12-23 |
JP2005137188A (en) | 2005-05-26 |
CN1605740A (en) | 2005-04-13 |
JP4165405B2 (en) | 2008-10-15 |
DE602004003652D1 (en) | 2007-01-25 |
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